GNFS rolls out automated fire compliance system

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has introduced the Automated Fire Compliance and Safety System (AFCAS), a digital platform designed to streamline the process of obtaining fire permits, certificates, and tagging fire safety equipment. This move is part of the Service's digital transformation efforts, aiming to enhance fire safety compliance, monitoring, and service delivery nationwide.

According to a statement from Divisional Officer One (DO I) Emmanuel Bonney, Head of Public Relations, the AFCAS platform is now open to the public.

The system operates in line with the Fire Precaution (Premises) Regulations, 2003 (L.I. 1724), as amended by L.I. 2249. Under these regulations, all premises, both commercial and residential, must acquire a fire permit before construction begins and a fire certificate upon completion. Additionally, fire alarms, equipment, and extinguishers are mandated to be tagged with official GNFS tags for inspection purposes, as per Regulations 11 and 12.

The GNFS has urged vehicle owners, property owners, and building occupants across the country to submit their applications through the AFCAS digital platform. For fire safety equipment, the Service advises purchasing only items tagged with official GNFS AFCAS tags from licensed Fire Protection Contractors. Furthermore, procurement departments of property management companies, commercial operators, institutions, businesses, and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) are directed to work exclusively with GNFS-AFCAS licensed Fire Protection Contractors for installing fire alarms, extinguishers, and other safety equipment.

All installed fire safety equipment must be tagged with a unique GNFS-AFCAS QR code, while owners of existing equipment have six months to have them tagged by authorized inspectors. The AFCAS platform aims to bolster enforcement, monitoring, and administrative processes related to fire safety, fostering better collaboration between the Service and the public.

The platform, accessible at www.afcas.gnfs.gov.gh, is currently available for service applications. A detailed information brochure has been published on the platform, offering guidance on the application process, objectives, benefits, and operational procedures. The Service urges all stakeholders to review these guidelines before submitting their applications and emphasizes the importance of cooperation in implementing this initiative.